The Numerology and Psychology of the 2016-17 College Football Playoffs

It is that time of the year for college football bowl game addicts, and the deciding of a national champion in the playoff series. Thousands of articles and media stories will be told and predictions by hundreds of sports pundits across the country will be made. Probably only one will look at the numerology and psychology of the game. It is stepping into uncharted waters of assessment and speculation.

Be that as it may, here is a look at the coming series from that unusual perspective. Taking into consideration the numbers of teams, coaches and players along with the days and other subtleties, it looks to be potentially one of the most exciting and unexpected since this format began. While not overwhelmingly indicated, the numerical trend for the series is one suggesting upsets and weird events on the field. The first team to go could well be (GASP), Alabama! What? Hold on to your betting slips, Beauregard! While not conclusive, my indicators suggest the numerical edge goes to the Huskies. I suspect they will for sure beat the spread. The underdog psychology also is slightly in favor of the dogs since everyone is saying the Tide will readily wash away the Dogs.

The Alabama players will look at each team’s score against USC and figure piece of cake. And, they are, after all, being described by some national writers as the best college football team ever! That is pretty heady stuff for a bunch of college jocks. It is the kind of hype that can turn pride into arrogance and lethal play to lethargy. Will a coach with a big ego be able to temper this potential trap?

Chris Petersen is known for his ability to prepare his team, and he does a good job of keeping himself out of the spotlight while placing it upon the positive production of “his kind of guys”. If the Dogs play within themselves, and with the containment that he fosters, this can be a long and embarrassing game for the Tide. The numbers weigh slightly in favor of the kids from Montlake.

In game two the odds favorite Ohio State would also be considered a slight favorite by the indicators I use. This one is a tough call, and I would probably stay off of a bet. However, I will stick my numerological neck out and pick the Urbane Mr. Meyer to do his job. Clemson has run on luck too many times this season and pulled off games where they were noticeably outperformed. The indicators say their luck runs out this time.

Assuming that the above picks hold true that would put the Buckeyes and the Dogs in finale. With no real numerical strength indicated for either team on that day, it is left up in the numerological air as far as a favorite is concerned. That leaves more to psychology and guess work. Having beaten Alabama could well land Washington as the favorite in the championship game. Factors suggest they could be emotionally drained from the high and the challenge of having beaten Alabama.

Chris Petersen emphasizes maintaining a levelness in attitude toward the game, but it may be difficult to do so after such a momentous occasion. Urban Meyer has the advantage of having been in this situation before and should have his troops well prepared. With all of that said, I will yield to personal bias and go Huskies.